About Me

I finally made it to the adventure of a lifetime and now I'm a citizen of the World. Indy author, blogger, in love with being an author - Mom of two grown children and widow of the most wonderful man to ever live - Devon "Pete" Hall.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Roadside Gas - in Cambodia at
least, gasoline comes in recycled plastic and glass water and soda bottles. The
first time a tuk-tuk driver pulled up and poured a liter of gas into his
vehicle I was astounded, but then I noticed that there aren’t many gas
stations, especially in the touristy areas. So the obvious solution – gas by
the bottle!

Honking is a Language – It took me
awhile but I have learned the Asian language of honk speak. From the short,
non-urgent beep (which just means “watch out, I’m behind you”) to the repetitive, long beeps
that signal “Get the hell out of my way!”, I could now drive the roads of Asia
if all that was required was understanding what is being said with each blast
of a vehicle’s horn.

Check Please – You will never be
rushed after finishing a meal in Asia. In fact, I recommend sitting facing
where the servers hang out because otherwise you may get a crick in your neck signaling
for the check. But be prepared to whip out the cash while they stand there
because wait staff doesn’t just present you with a bill and then walk away.

Tuk-tuks – I’m now in Vietnam and
there are no tuk-tuks here – at least in Ho Chi Minh City –and I have to say it’s
a relief. Although unless you have a private driver or drive yourself, in the
other countries I visited, tuk-tuks are essential to getting around for
travelers and even the locals. The constant calls of “tuk-tuk, madam” really
grated on my personally though.

Suggestions – Be careful about
making suggestions because they will always be viewed as criticisms and create embarrassment
for the business owner or manager.

Luggage Carts are Free – At the
airports, the luggage carts are free and plentiful. This makes getting around a
terminal much easier and keeps the traffic flowing well.

Toilet Paper – I cannot stress
enough that it is REALLY important to keep a packet of tissues on you, even if
you’re headed to the mall. You never know when you will run into situation
where toilet paper is not provided.

Leave Shoes at the Door – In many establishments,
from spas to small hotels, you may be asked to leave your shoes at the door.
This is especially true for temples.

Not Too Squeamish – As much as
possible, leave your attitudes at home. This means when you eat at outdoor
restaurants recognize that the occasional rat will go scurrying by and when
walking the city unpleasant smells may assault you at any time. Also that noisy
gecko (yes, they click loudly) in your room is actually your friend, eating the
odd insect. I named mine Gary.

Watch the Water – Most people realize
that drinking the water in foreign countries is dangerous but don’t forget to use bottled
water for denture care and not to rinse out your mouth in the shower.

Learn How to Say Thank You – I fully
intended to learn a few phrases of the language in every country I visited.
That hasn’t happened but I have learned how to say thank you everywhere I’ve
gone. Everywhere except the Philippines this has been warmly received and
produces big smiles. Even better, I’ve found asking the names of drivers and
anyone you see regularly astonishes and produces wonderful reactions.

Don’t Plan Too Far in Advance –
This little bit of advice I’ve just recently learned myself. As a traveler, you
will stumble on great places in which you want to stay longer or even visit that wasn’t
on your original plan. Tying yourself down too much can also cost you. If you’re
flexible and can wait for last minute bookings, you can save a lot of money
when airlines and hotels have to fill empty seats and beds.

Don’t be Put Off by All the Warnings of Scams – Everywhere you go, abroad or even in your own country,
there will be scams or chances for muggings or more. Take normal healthy
precautions, but don’t be too obsessed with caution. You’ll ruin your trip.
Also, wherever you go, there will also be good people. I’ve definitely
experienced the kindness of strangers in my travels already.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

My constant planning during the lead up to this first
international experience has had its effects, both good and bad. The need to
plan extensively has been somewhat based on insecurity.

Never having traveled
outside the US, I was very scared I’d screw up and be stuck somewhere. The
other comes from a lifetime of managing people, departments or projects of some
kinds. It was natural to plan.

I got to Siem Reap for a two-week scheduled stay and quickly
realized that there wasn’t a ton to see here as a tourist. Two weeks was way
more time than I needed, even giving myself plenty of downtime.

And then I met several people who are moving through Asia on
the fly and doing just fine, thank you! I watched as two couples and one solo
woman traveler extended their stays at our hotel because they liked it here. No
problem because they hadn’t tied themselves into a timeframe as I have every
step of the way.

I learned a thing or two. They have gotten incredible last
minute airfares and room rates because they haven’t been all hung up on
scheduling everything out to the tiniest detail.

Angkor Wat Museum - the only spot you're allowed to take pics.

So…I have found a new way of travel which I’ll just call 'surrender.' My generation called it ‘going with the flow’. It’s a matter of being in the
moment. I have found myself looking forward when I get bored with where I am,
instead of looking around and deciding to enjoy what I have wherever I am.

For instance, this hotel I’m at – Van Song Villa –has a
lovely pool which has engendered a number of fast friendships. About five days
ago, I just felt myself let go and boy did that feel good. I’ve have had an extraordinary
time just hanging out by the pool, with an occasional foray into the town or
visit to two museums.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Trudging down dusty lanes and thick stone roads to tread
lightly through temples dating back to the 12th century is the
simplest description of a day’s adventure in Angkor, in northern Cambodia. However, it doesn’t touch
the majesty of the remnants of a powerful society and the enormous
infrastructure that supported it.

Angkor Thom

I had no idea what I was in for when I took off that morning
with my tuk-tuk driver. In fact, I told him he could just drop me off at Angkor
Wat and I’d catch a ride back. He was very patient and pulled over explained
that Angkor Wat wasn't just the biggest temple of Angkor and that it was a huge
area that had been a city (encompassing an area of 15 miles by 5 miles I later discovered). Amazed, I settled in and let him be the tour guide.

I’m glad I did because it took about 4 hours to wind through
the area and hit the three top attractions; Angkor Thom, another temple the
locals refer to as the Tomb Raider (so nicknamed after the Laura Kroft movie but actually named Ta Prohm Temple)
and finally Angkor Wat itself.

I thought Angkor Thom, with its many huge stone heads facing
every which way, was the most beautiful and had the most serene feel to it.
There were numerous nooks and twists and turns so that it was rather easy to
get “lost” but it wasn’t terribly large so there was no danger of truly losing
your way for long.

Tomb Raider Temple

My favorite for atmosphere was the Tomb Raider ruins
with exotic trees growing from the great stone slabs. If ever there was a
made-to-order movie set this is it. It was about a half mile walk to the ruins
along a thickly wooded area which highlighted how hidden much of the more than
1,000 temple ruins are.

Bridge to Angkor Wat

Finally, the largest and most impressive on size alone was Angkor
Wat. This involved another long walk but this time down a bridge comprised of
big blocks about 2 feet by 4 feet each with an intricately carved balustrade
along the way which leads to another entry and continued path to the imposing
structure that was in fact a Hindu temple originally. In fact, Angkor has been both Hindu and Buddhist during different reigns.

Everything about this abandoned city is intricate, bold and
beautiful including the peaceful river you ride alongside to get there. If it weren’t for being
surrounded by chattering tourists beside you everywhere it would be like stepping back in
time. Instead it feels like Disneyland for history buffs.

A quiet corner of Angkor Wat

How wonderful it would be to quietly explore this place
alone at dawn or with the one you love!